5. Read this text and the conversations to find out more about extreme sports. Extreme Sports in the uk

E xtreme sports are popular all over the UK. Not just in the mountains of Snowdonia or Scotland. But what attracts people to these sports? Is it adventure or danger?

People who enjoy fast and dangerous sports, like white-water rafting, are called thrill seekers or adrenalin junkies.

I’m at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham in the centre of England and this is the white-water course. Seven hundred metres of foaming water with drops or rapids. And the skill is to stay afloat in the rough water. 

I’m here to meet Pas Blackwell, a white-water rafting expert, and to find out why so many people enjoy the thrills and spills of this extreme sport. 

Carmen: Hi, Pas.

Pas: Hi, Carmen.

Carmen: So this is a specially built course, but you raft on rapids all around the world. What do you most enjoy about white-water rafting?

Pas: I really enjoy being outdoors and on the water. I really enjoy the freedom of just you and nature and I really enjoy the challenge.

Carmen: So why do people like dangerous sports?

Pas: I think people like to push themselves - to see how far they can go – to really test themselves, against the elements, water and air.

Carmen: So, are you an adrenalin junkie?

Pas: I don’t think of myself as an adrenalin junkie, but I do really enjoy the rush of trying to get from the top to the bottom and get through situations that occur out on the river.

I n the countryside there are lots of wide open spaces and lots of extreme sports to choose from. But what do adrenalin junkies do in the city? Well, parkour⁹, sometimes called free running, is becoming popular in London.

Parkour started in France. And the idea is to get from one place to the other as fast as possible; jumping and climbing over whatever is in the way. So I’ve come to a parkour class in West London to find out what it’s all about. Rebecca Ahmed has been doing parkour for more than a year.

C armen: So Rebecca, why do you like parkour?

Rebecca: It’s really fun, it’s original and it keeps me fit. That’s why I come.

Carmen: Do you need any special equipment?

Rebecca: Not really, we just use what’s around us like steps, railings and trees, but as long as you’ve got a good pair of trainers, you’re fine

Carmen: Is it difficult?

Rebecca: I wouldn’t say it’s difficult – it’s more about the fear. If you’re not scared you can do it.

I’m not sure I’ve got the balance for parkour. Extreme sports can be dangerous, but they’re also lots of fun.

XIII. Language Reference

a) Complete the sentences using words from your topical vocabulary to the text (p. VIII).

1. There is a tradition of bearing the … in a special … . This tradition is … by a number of athletes nominated by … . 2. The athletes who take part in the 70-day Olympic … … inspire … … audiences this year. 3. … nominated and chose Stephanie Handojo as … because they were sure the girl will give … to other people with and without disabilities, and because of her … . 4. Stephanie is known for her … …, she won a … … last year in Greece; moreover, she’s been … … … on the piano, and this month she’s … … running as she takes the … through Nottingham, England. 5. She will be accompanied by Alex Eustace who is also … … … as part of the Olympic … … . 6. Stephanie’s pattern shows that all children, regardless of their abilities and circumstances, can … their … when given the right support and assistance. 7. Daniel Bendle has found work as a swim coach and a … for people with and without disabilities. 8. Daniel … … … as an Olympic … because he had a special motivation to run – he was doing it in the memory of his mother. 9. Val Hanover was also chosen as a … because she had become a winner of BBC’s Sports personality of the Year “Unsung Hero Award”; moreover, she is … after three decades¹⁰ of dedicated work with Special Olympic athletes. 10. Val is definitely leaving on a high note, especially after her … … with the Olympic … … .

b) Create a table and complete it with the verb, noun, adjective.

NOUN	VERB	ADJECTIVE/PI/PII
E. g. victory/a victor	-	victorious
	to score
contest
		winning
	to lose
a rival/rivalry
		triumphant
an athlete
		hurly/hurling
	to tee
		familiar
shot
	to judge
competition
	to run